2014 Ram 1500 Oil change

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine and drivetrain (transmission and
axle) in your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km). After the initial 60 miles
(100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the limits of local traffic laws
contributes to a good break-in. Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be
detrimental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a high-quality energy
conserving type lubricant. Oil changes should be consistent with anticipated climate
conditions under which vehicle operations will occur. For the recommended viscosity
and quality grades, refer to “Maintaining Your Vehicle.”
NOTE:
A new engine may consume some oil during its first few thousand miles (kilometers)
of operation. This should be considered a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as an indication of an engine problem or malfunction.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil in the engine or damage may
result.
DIESEL ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
• For 3.0L diesel engine break-in recommendations, refer to Diesel Engine Break-InRecommendations on pg. 145
• For 6.7L Cummins diesel engine break-in recommendations, refer to Diesel Engine Break-In Recommendations on pg. 155
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
32

EVIC Reconfigurable Screen Setup
The following settings allow you to change what information is displayed in the
instrument cluster as well as the location that information is displayed.
Digital Speedometer
• Press and release the UP or DOWN arrow button until the Digital display icon ishighlighted in the EVIC. Press and release the RIGHT arrow button to change the
display between km/h and mph.
Vehicle Info (Customer Information Features)
• Press and release the UP or DOWN button until the Vehicle Info icon is highlightedin the EVIC Display. Press and release the RIGHT or LEFT to scroll through the
following Vehicle Info submenus:• Tire Pressure Monitor System
• Air Suspension — If Equipped
• Coolant Temperature (Diesel Only)
• Transmission Temperature (ATX Only)
• Oil Temperature
• Oil Pressure
• Oil Life
• Fuel Filter Life (Diesel Only)
• Battery Voltage
• Exhaust Brake (Diesel Only)
• Turbo Boost (Diesel Only)
• Gauge Summary
• Coolant Temperature (Diesel Only)
• Transmission Temperature (ATX Only)
• Oil Temperature
• Oil Pressure
• Engine Hours
Trip A
• Press and release the UP or DOWN arrow button until the Trip A icon is highlighted in the EVIC. Press and hold the RIGHT arrow button to reset the Trip A information.
Trip B
• Press and release the UP or DOWN arrow button until the Trip B icon is highlightedin the EVIC. Press and hold the RIGHT arrow button to reset the Trip B information.
ELECTRONICS
118

DIESEL ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
• The 3.0 turbocharged diesel engine does not require a break-in period due to itsconstruction. Normal operation is allowed, providing the following recommenda-
tions are followed:• Warm up the engine before placing it under load.
• Do not operate the engine at idle for prolonged periods.
• Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent engine lugging.
• Observe vehicle oil pressure and temperature indicators.
• Check the coolant and oil levels frequently.
• Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carrying or towing significant
weight.
NOTE:
Light duty operation such as light trailer towing or no load operation will extend the
time before the engine is at full efficiency. Reduced fuel economy and power may be
seen at this time.
• The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil changes should be consistent with anticipated
climate conditions under which vehicle operations will occur. The recommended
viscosity and quality grades are shown under “FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES”, under
“MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE” in this User Guide. NON-DETERGENT OR
STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST NEVER BE USED.
DIESEL ENGINE STARTING PROCEDURES
Normal Starting Procedure
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Ensure the shift lever is in the PARK position.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal while pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button
once.
4. The system will take over and attempt to start the vehicle. If the vehicle fails to start, the starter will disengage automatically after 30 seconds.
5. If you wish to stop the cranking of the engine prior to the engine starting, press the button again.
6. Check that the oil pressure warning light has turned off.
7. Release the parking brake.
1500 3.0L DIESEL
145

- Transmission Temperature Warning Light
This light indicates that there is excessive transmission fluid temperature that might
occur with severe usage such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, stop the vehicle
and run the engine at idle, with the transmission in NEUTRAL, until the light turns
off. Once the light turns off, you may continue to drive normally.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission Temperature Warning Light illuminated
will eventually cause severe transmission damage or transmission failure.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when the Transmission Temperature Warning
Light is illuminated you could cause the fluid to boil over, come in contact with hot
engine or exhaust components and cause a fire.
OIL CHANGE EVIC INDICATOR
Message
If an “oil change” message (shown as “Change Oil Soon” and “Oil Change Needed”)
appears and a single chime sounds, it is time for your next required oil change.
Resetting The Light After Servicing
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position (do not start engine).
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal three times within 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
- Low Coolant Level Indicator Light
This light indicates low coolant level. If the light turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible.
We recommend you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the
vehicle serviced immediately.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
174

CAUTION!
• Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than specified Organic AdditiveTechnology (OAT) engine coolant (antifreeze), may result in engine damage and
may decrease corrosion protection. Organic Additive Technology (OAT) engine
coolant is different and should not be mixed with Hybrid Organic Additive
Technology (HOAT) engine coolant (antifreeze) or any “globally compatible”
coolant (antifreeze). If a non-OAT engine coolant (antifreeze) is introduced into
the cooling system in an emergency, the cooling system will need to be drained,
flushed, and refilled with fresh OAT coolant (conforming to MS-12106), by an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
• Do not use water alone or alcohol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use additional rust inhibitors or antirust products, as they may not be
compatible with the radiator engine coolant and may plug the radiator.
• This vehicle has not been designed for use with propylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze). Use of propylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze)
is not recommended.
E-85 Flexible Fuel — 3.6L Engine Only
CAUTION!
Only vehicles with the E-85 fuel filler door label or a yellow gas cap can operate on
E-85.
Refer to your Owner's Manual on the DVD for further details.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE — GASOLINE ENGINE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change indicator system. The oil
change indicator system will remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change indicator message will
illuminate. This means that service is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions
such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or cold ambient temperatures,
and E85 fuel usage will influence when the “Oil Change Required” message is
displayed. Severe Operating Conditions can cause the change oil message to
illuminate as early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km) since last reset. Have your vehicle
serviced as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
214

Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator message after completing
the scheduled oil change. If a scheduled oil change is performed by someone other than
your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by referring to the steps described
under “Instrument Cluster Warning Lights” in “What To Do In Emergencies” in this
guide or “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” in your Owner’s Manual on the DVD for further information.
NOTE:
•1500 Models Only
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
or twelve months on 1500 trucks, whichever comes first.
•2500 – 3500 Models
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 8,000 miles (13,000 km)
or twelve months on 2500 – 3500 trucks, whichever comes first.
•Severe Duty All Models
Change Engine Oil at 4000 miles (6,500 km) if the vehicle is operated in a dusty and
off road environment. This type of vehicle use is considered Severe Duty
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or damage. Rotate tires at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator system turns on.
•
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake master cylinder, power steering
(2500/3500 Models Only) and automatic transmission (six-speed only) as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
Required Maintenance
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following pages for required maintenance.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System:
• Change oil and filter.
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the oil
indicator system turns on.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as required.
• Inspect automatic transmission fluid if equipped with dipstick.
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses and park brake.
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses.
• Inspect exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or off-road conditions.
• Lube the front drive shaft fitting (2500/3500 (4x4) models only).
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
215

Maintenance Chart — Gasoline Engine
Mileage or time passed (whichever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Additional Inspections
Inspect the CV/Universal joints. X X X X X
Inspect front suspension, tie rod ends, and
replace if necessary. XXXXXXXInspect the front and rear axle surfaces. If gear
oil leakage is suspected, check the fluid level.
If using your vehicle for police, taxi, fleet, off-
road or frequent trailer towing, change axle fluid.
XXXXXXX
Inspect the brake linings, replace as necessary. X XXXXX X
Adjust parking brake as necessary. XX XXXX X
Inspect transfer case fluid. XXX
Additional Maintenance
Replace engine air filter. XX XX X
Replace spark plugs (3.6L engine).** X
Replace spark plugs (5.7L engine).** X
Replace spark plugs (6.4L engine).** X
Flush and replace the engine coolant at
10 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km)
whichever comes first. XX
Change automatic transmission fluid and filter(s)
(six-speed automatic only), if using your vehicle
for police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing.
X
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
216

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE — 1500 3.0L DIESEL ENGINE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change indicator system. The oil
change indicator system will remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change indicator message will
illuminate. This means that service is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions
such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or cold ambient temperatures
will influence when the “Oil Change Required” message is displayed. Severe
Operating Conditions can cause the change oil message to illuminate as early as
3,500 miles (5,600 km) since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as
possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator message after completing
the scheduled oil change. If a scheduled oil change is performed by someone other than
your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by referring to the steps described
under “Instrument Cluster Warning Lights” in “What To Do In Emergencies” in this
guide or “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” in your Owner’s Manual on the DVD for further information.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
or twelve months, whichever comes first.
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
• Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual wear or damage
•
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake master cylinder, power steering
and transmission as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
Required Maintenance
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following pages for required maintenance.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System:
• Change oil and filter.
• Completely fill the Diesel Exhaust Fluid tank.
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before the oil
indicator system turns on.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as required.
• Inspect automatic transmission fluid if equipped with dipstick.
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses and park brake.
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses.
• Inspect exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or off-road conditions.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
219